Active shooters – these items are not good for self defense

I hate to say it, but I think active shooters are here to stay. And that means only one thing, we have to learn to properly defend ourselves and our kids from their attacks. As a safety trainer and a close quarters combative trainee, I hear all kinds of wild improvised ways that people think they will use everyday items in a fight for their lives. The problem is that most of these items are nothing more than urban legends when it comes to being effective in a real altercation. Let’s explore some of the most common fails:

Wasp Spray

People think that just because this insect killer is effective at long distances that it will work on a 250lb man intent on finishing an epic battle. Heck, wasps Ever got this stuff in your eye when you tried to use it? Not pleasant, but certainly not something to cry about. In fact, it is usually so weak that you keep using it and then wash out your eyes later. Get the pepper spray instead.

Pencils

Pencils, if they are sharp, may be good for the first strike. It’s the second and third strike that you need to be able to produce to finish an attack. Ditch the pencil for a tactical pen or a Zebra steel barrel pen.

Aerosol Can Flame Thrower

Quick grab your Bic disposable lighter and your can of hair spray. Neat! You have a homemade flame thrower. Not really effective for anything but showing off. The flame isn’t really that hot and holding down the lighter for an extended period of time will only burn your thumb – that’s if your lucky.

Car Keys

Short of looking like Wolverine, car keys are only good for one additional thing – scratch off lottery tickets. If you think I am wrong, go ahead and pressure test it. Put your keys in your hand and punch a heavy bag, the door or a basketball. The keys are not stable enough to provide maintain their shape in your hand. Not to mention that car keys aren’t really that sharp and typically won’t puncture a jacket or jeans.